The Capitol Building is, without a doubt, one of the most distinguished buildings in Havana, not just due to its monumental character, but also to its singular features, which make it one of the most representative buildings of its type in the word. The eclectic style in which it is built is typical of the mixture of styles which characterises the peoples of the Caribbean region.

Even before the site had been properly cleaned up after its construction, the Capitol was an obligatory visit for all visitors to the island, and since then it has been customary for all tourists coming to Cuba to have their photo taken with the great building in the background as proof of their stay in Havana.

The monumental work which is the Capitol was built during the second half of the 1920s. The building was inaugurated on May the 20th, 1929 to commemorate the establishment of the republic in Cuba. The whole process took 3 years because the building was erected over the foundations of the former railways station “Villanueva”. It was conceived as the seat of the Congress and the Senate and the American company Purdy and Henderson fulfil the construction project.

The façade shows a prevailing of the neoclassical style while the inner decoration is mainly an opulent eclectic style but without loosing the balance. The 90 m. high dome is a visible from all the ends of the city. The bronzed statues standing at each side of the main entry were done by the Italian Angelo Zanelli and they represent the work and progress and the Tutelar Virtue of the Cuban people. The main entry has 3 doors as well as 3 were also the regions in which the island was divided, each one exhibit part of the Cuban history. From rightwards: the first one it’s devoted to the conquer period, the second one to the XIX century independence wars and the third one to the republics. The statue inside the Capitol was also made by Angelo Zanelli and represents the Republics. It’s the 3rd world highest statue under roof with 17.5 m high and 30 tons of weight, totally covered with golden sheets. It’s placed in the center of the main hall “The Room of Lost Steps” originally conceived for the official ceremonies. This 48 m long and 15 m wide hall it’s covered by different kinds of marble and at its center lays a replica of the 44 carats diamond that pointed the start of the Central Highway. Nowadays the building is the seat of the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry.

The ground floor, which contains most of the important art works in the building, is open to the public, and the rooms where Chambers carried out their work are now used for conventions. Restaurant and bar services are available to visitors in the loggias, who can pause there to rest during their tour of the city and the Capitol itself.

The other floors are occupied by the offices of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, whose mission includes the task of promoting and conserving this building and the heritage contained in it.

Founded in 1908 is a remarkable construction of the colonial architecture. Located in a privileged place in Old Havana, in front of the Paseo Promenade. Sumptuous and friendly you can respire a protector and traditional Spanish atmosphere, where abound decorative elements of mudejar style, brocade tiles decorated with flowers and geometric figures. Its halls still preserve the splendor of bygone eras ant it offers all the comforts of a Four Star Hotel.

Sevilla hotel was the first luxury hotel in Havana. On the top floor is an excellent restaurant that offers a unique view of the city that includes the entry port and toward the Capitol. In its rooms were hosted notable figures in Cuba and the world, among which stand out Jose Raul Capablanca, Tin Tan, Lola Flores, Josephine Baker, among others.

Description:

Distance to airport: 20 Kms. José Martí airport

Accommodation:

It has 178 rooms with their respective health services, bathtub and hairdryer, satellite TV free safe and minibar.

There is also one room with wheelchair access.

Restaurant Services:

It has two restaurants, one buffet and one a la carte, lobby bar, snack bar and bar.

Other facilities:

Gym and sauna, massage, boutiques, car rental, currency exchange, travel desk for excursions sales, laundry and dry cleaning, nursing. It also has a conference room with capacity for 40 people.

It is an elegant edification in eclectic style located in a centric place of Old Havana, right in front of The Capitol Building, The Fountain of the Indian Woman and The Partagas Cigar Factory. Gregorio Palacios Spanish merchant built it between 1879-80 and at that moment was one of the most important hotels in Havana. Apparently, Its name is a remembrance of a hot springs bathing housed in The United States.

Antonio Guiteras, ex former Secretary of Governing during the Grau San Martin government, was a frequent visitor of this place, perhaps by its proximity to The Capitol. In its terraces, Anacaona´s Band, the first Cuban women’ band made one’s first debut. The Saratoga Hotel was familiar and boarding house too. Today it’s preserve theirs original railings, carpentry, lattice work, marble´stairgs and square columns.

The Plaza hotel rises majestically with its image, at the gates of Old Havana, as a key input to a World of history, culture and Cuban. Opened in 1909, was once the mansion of a wealthy family of the time, the Marquis of Pinar del Rio. Had with the passing of time its cozy atmosphere of eclectic style, with its original interior courtyard, where a figure of woman-in-Carrara marble welcomes visitors. Included in décor original paintings from the colonial era, painted by renowned artists.

It’s one of the most antique Hotel situated in the epicenter of the Old Havana and represent a jewel of Cuban colonial architecture. William Fletcher, his own, inaugurated it in 1909, and for its construction was necessary to demolish the building that housed the Marina Newspaper. The antique and the modern go together which guarantee to visitor a good taste and exclusivity place.

A golden crown with its initials in the high of the principal door get to welcome to future residents to entry in a large salon whose floor was made in French mosaic manufactured by manual work. Immediately can be see an interior yard surrounded by stained glass of brilliant color with a beautiful fountain of Carrara marble, where a silent woman figure observe the visitors.

However the prestige of the Hotel is in the story of its guest, where to be outstanding the fabulous legend about the famous dancer Isadora Duncan whose spirit taking a walk for its large corridors. The list of illustrious personalities that were guests also include to the Russian dancer Ana Pavlova; Albert Einstein (who stayed one winter here to receive the homage of The Physical and Natural Sciences Academy of Cuba and The Cuban Geographical Society), José Raul Capablanca, who played his first championship of chess in the salon of this hotel; and Babe Ruth, the famous North American ball player. In the room where he stayed (Suite 216) a shrine for fans of the sport there is still a bat and baseball.

Located in a privileged place of Havana, where the old part of the city join with the modernity, near of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Paseo del Prado and the former Presidential Palace (today Revolution Museum).

It was one of the first hotels that work with North American capital and had a good comfort for that time. Theirs first owners were the greek brothers Economics, who also possessed the Zaserac Coffe shop, situated behind the Inglaterra Hotel. In the forties, the Park View was distinguished itself by its North American style, modernity and economic prices. Many evidences indicate that the mafia and representatives of the cuban high middle class made use to this installation to do illicit business due to its relative anonymity.

With the pass of years and the loss of the importance to the Tourism Industry for Cuba, the edification was very damaged. In February 2002 the Habaguanex Company reopened these doors totally comfortable and modernized.

The Park View hotel was built in 1928. It reopened, with the turning of 21 st century, completely modernized and with a wonderful comfort. Its rooms have all the conditions for a pleasant rest after a long day in Havana. The Prado restaurant, in the 7th fllor, with a great view of the Havana bay, El Morro and La Cabaña fortresses, invites you to try delicious dishes from the Cuban and the international cuisine in a cozy space decorated with pictures of the Havana of yesterday.

The accommodation, with its intimate and quiet atmosphere, is distinguished by its careful service and its reasonable prices. This hotel is a pleasant place for the rest and the quietness of its visitors.

The Telegrafo hotel dates back to 1860 when it was located in the Amistad Street. Towards 1888, it was moved to its present-day location, the populous corner of Prado and Neptuno Streets. In 1911, it was completely built and when open, it was regarded as the most modern hotel of the city and one of the best 11 hotels in Latin America.

It was the first place in the island where make use of the novel telegraph. For that reason this hotel has this name. In its lobby you can observe a piece of the original cable that communicates Cuba with the United States.

The recently restored Telégrafo hotel combines modern and colonial elements in its architecture. It consists of 63 comfortable rooms with privileged views of the city. In the inner courtyard, the uncovered original brickwork of the round arches contrasts with the modern design of the building. The elegant Telégrafo restaurant specializes in the Cuban and international cuisine. Its decoration guarantees the classical ambiance of an excellent place that invites you to come back.

The luxurious 5-star hotel Iberostar Parque Central is located opposite the historic Central Park and Capitolio Havana, near the renowned Malecon Boulevard, which runs along the sea. Here you will find monuments, shops, nightclubs, cafes and cabarets, while you can enjoy a colorful spectacle as thousands of vintage 1958 Chevrolets, bicycle-taxis and Ural soviet motorcycles pass by the Capitol. All this and much more are available just steps from the only five star hotel truly in Old Havana. It offers 278 magnificent rooms with unique design.

Description:

Distance to airport: 20 minutes from International Airport José Martí.

Rooms: 427 rooms.

Swimming pool on the top floor of each building

Bars: 3

Snack Bars and Buffets: Buffet, 2 Bars Snacks, poolside, snacks available in the lobby bar until 03:00 hours of the morning.

A la carte: 2 theme restaurants: Italian and Steakhouse.

Internet: Internet room and wireless internet access in the entrance (colonial and mezzanine).

Inglaterra hotel, declared a National Monument in 1981, is located in the center of town, across from Central Park, next to the Grand Theater of Havana headquarters of the National Ballet of Cuba, and steps of the imposing Capitol of the Republic.

The neoclassical magnificence of its facade in keeping with the strong Mudejar accent of its interior decorations, give a unique elegance. It has hosted over the years, many celebrities, including Antonio Maceo, Julián del Casals, Hosé Raúl Capablanca, Sara Bernhart, Ana Pavlova, Rubén Darío, among others. Today is considered the home of the most renowned artists.

Description:

Distance to airport: 20 Kms Jose Marti Airport

Accommodation: It has 83 rooms. All with air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, safe, private bathroom with hairdryer.

Restaurant service:

The hotel has a main restaurant, a la carte, a grill bar on the hotel’s terrace, and a cafe restaurant in the portal and a coffee bar in the lobby with 24-hour service.

It was inaugurated on December 23, 1875 in a neoclassic style but with some elements of Mudejar Architecture that gave it a touch of originality, as ruse mosaic, fences that arrived directly from Seville, Sapin. Its roofs and interiors are plenty of ornaments with stained-glass, heraldic emblems and a bronze sculpture of the Spanish dancer Carmen de Bizet, designed by The Marquis of Perrinat.

In 1901 it had one of the most important rebuilding by receive the benefits of electricity, telephone, international telegraph communication and restroom in each habitation. After that in 1914 was added a fourth floor and a canopy arcade, thanks to the economic prosperity that the First World War gave to The United States.

The most recent and capital reform came in 1989 due to the requirements of modern tourism, but maintaining the architectonic style that gave it eight years before the title of National Monument by its high patrimonial value.

In the last century it welcomed illustrious personalities of the Cuban history like Antonio Maceo, one of the most important commanders of the independent wars of the island. José Martí, Cuban National Hero pronounced his famous speech in this place in 1879 in honor of the journalist Manuel Marquez Sterling.

At the present time, the dean of the Havana´s hotels has 83 rooms with all services at the disposal of their guests and attractive restaurant called “El Colonial” whose Menu Letter is typical for each season of year.

Its historic sidewalk, well known like “The Louvre´s sidewalk” became a place of meeting and conspiracy for young men that favored independence from Spain and there raised theirs voices against the Spanish colonialism, the most brilliant and valiant of the Cuban young people.

A Casa Particular or homestay near the Capital Building in Old Havana will ensure you experience both the wonders of Old Havana’s Colonial buildings and rich history, together with true Cuban hospitality. Your hosts at your casa particular in Old Havana will speak English and have a profound knowledge of the city. Any questions you have will be answered instantly by the Cuban family you are staying with. Some of our casa particulares also offer meals and drinks, meaning you’ll get to sample the best Cuban food also.

Below is a list of Casa Particulares in Old Havana which can be reserved online through us.

Take control of your trip to Old Havana & Capitolio Havana and rent a car. We have some incredible Old Havana Car rental offers from economic cars to the latest sport convertible models. We also offer 7 and 9 seat minivans near Capitolio Havana Cuba, especially for larger groups or families. Booking your Cuba Car Hire in advance is crucial to your trip and, by checking our rates and availability you’ll be able to find the car to suit your budget and ensure it is ready and waiting on the exact day and time you choose.

Book your car near Havana Capital Building with Havanautos, CubaCAR, REX or Via Rent a Car now to avoid setbacks or unnecessary unplanned costs while you’re in Cuba.

Our exclusive Cuba-One-Way® program also caters for those of you who wish to collect your Cuban rent a car in say Capitolio Havana and return it in another city, ensuring that your exact itinerary starting from Capitolio Havana is organized in advance.

If you’d prefer a “one-price” offer, we have our FlexiDrive® Road Trip program. It includes both a rental car and hotel voucher to visit any hotel across Cuba within the program, drive at your own pace, without making forward bookings of more than 24 hours in advance and ensuring absolute freedom to discover our beautiful country. The FlexiDrive® package is available from 7 to 30 days, you decide the duration!